Firefighter Injuries: Your Rights To Workers’ Compensation Benefits In Maryland

Firefighters put their lives on the line to protect local communities. Due to the physical nature of their jobs and the dangers they routinely face, they have one of the highest risks of work-related injuries. Fortunately, workers’ compensation benefits can help cover medical bills, lost wages, and other costs. Our Maryland workers’ compensation attorney explains more about common types of firefighter injuries and the special rights they have in filing a benefits claim.

Common Types of Firefighter Injuries In Maryland

The US Fire Administration reports that there are close to 300 registered fire departments throughout the state of Maryland. Thousands of people serve in these departments, putting their health on the line. When injuries happen in the course of putting out fires or performing other duties, it can jeopardize the financial security of their families.

Fortunately, workers’ compensation benefits are available to help in this situation. Paid firefighters are eligible for these benefits, as are many who hold volunteer positions. Common types of injuries suffered during the course of their job and for which they may be entitled to benefits include:

• Burn injuries due to fires and exposure to toxic substances;
• Illnesses due to smoke inhalation, such as asthma, COPD, and certain types of cancers;
• Broken bones, severe cuts, and soft tissue injuries;
• Head, back, and neck injuries, which can happen due to work-related falls, getting struck by objects, or accidents involving fire trucks and other equipment.

Workers’ Compensation Benefits For Firefighters In Maryland

Full or part-time firefighters and many who fill volunteer roles may be entitled to benefits for work-related injuries through the Maryland Workers’ Compensation Commission. These benefits help cover the costs of medical care you require, lost wages, and may provide additional compensation in the event your injuries result in long-term disabilities.

Workers’ compensation is available to most types of employees, regardless of their occupations. Special privileges available for firefighters, as well as police officers, and others who perform public service tasks include:

• Higher rates of compensation for work-related injuries for public safety employees;
• Due to the stress of their jobs, hypertension (high blood pressure) is included among the covered conditions;
• Heart conditions, including arrhythmia, coronary heart disease, and sudden heart failure, are covered as well;
• Due to exposure to hazardous substances, additional types of cancers are covered, including brain, breast, prostate, and rectal cancer, among others.

 Even after a firefighter retires, they may still be entitled to worker’s compensation benefits in Maryland if they are diagnosed with the above or other covered conditions at any point after completing their service. Pursing benefits for occupational disease claims are complex matters that our attorneys can assist you with.

Contact Our Office And Request A Consultation With Our Maryland Workers’ Compensation Attorneys

Firefighters endanger their own safety to protect our community. When work-related injuries or occupational illnesses happen, Berman, Sobin, Gross LLP helps them and their families get the compensation they are entitled to in a claim. To get the total amount of benefits you are entitled to, call or contact our office online and request a consultation with our Maryland workers’ compensation attorneys today.

Sources:

usfa.fema.gov/statistics/states/maryland.html

wcc.state.md.us/gen_info/wcc_benefits.html